A Review of Waste Management Techniques in Parts of Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

Inadequate waste disposal techniques have created subtle and yet serious environmental pollution and ecological deterioration in Niger Delta, Nigeria. In recent years, there has been a phenomenal increase in the volume of wastes generated daily in the area. This is due to a number of reasons, including the increasing population growth rate, urbanization, industrialization and economic growth. The manner in which municipal and industrial wastes generated are disposed in the urban areas in Niger Delta, Nigeria is worrisome. The practice of dumping of wastes in abandoned burrow-pits and along river channels without any adequate safety devices results in soil and groundwater contamination through dumpsite leachate. The need to protect these natural resources from contaminant leads to design of a sanitary landfill system. Pollution abatement, waste reduction, energy saving, health and economic benefits are some of the advantages of the newly designed sanitary ladfill system. The public should be educated in the area of waste minimization techniques. The design is recommended for use in future construction of landfills in the area.